The Only Way is Essex star Maria Fowler has strenuously denied being homophobic, after X Factor finalist Marcus Collins accused the reality star of calling him "queer" during an event in Liverpool on Thursday evening (May 3, 2012). The couple had a huge bust-up on Twitter despite being in the same room as each other.The argument began when Maria, 25, asked Marcus if she could have her picture taken with him. She then tweeted the image, with the caption, "Drink down my dress. Marcus Collins who said he felt like he was workin when I asked for a pic bigtime". Collins reportedly took issue with the word 'bigtime' after seeing it on Twitter and approached Fowler at the party. After a further exchange of tweets, Collins wrote, "called a f****** queer c*** by mariafowler, not standing for homophobic abuse by anyone it's unnecessary." This morning, Fowler was quick onto Twitter to tell fans, "Disgusting being branded homophobic absolutely vile thing to say", and her spokesperson told the Daily Mail, "Maria was at the event in Liverpool with four gay friends. It is highly unlikely that someone stood with four gay men is going to call someone queer". As yet, Marcus is yet to provide further comment on the incident. Both Fowler and Collins were in Liverpool for the launch of Desperate Scousewives' stars Amanda Harrington and Debbie O'Toole's new online store.